It is amazing how easily we Americans sink into pleasures. We have so many opportunities and arguably this is the predominant factor in our decline as a society. Pleasure is good. God intended for us to enjoy things and people. But everything is best in moderation and our society is far from being moderate in our use of pleasure.
Pleasures can relax and rejuvenate us, or they can overwhelm our senses and steer us away from wisdom, prudence, and compassion. It is my prayer that, as a Christian author, my writings will entertain but also instruct in wisdom and encourage to holiness.
In the utilization of pleasure we must not forget the needy, the orphans, the widows, the handicapped, and those who are spiritually searching for the Hope that we have. That Hope, of course, comes by Jesus Christ.
What are your thoughts on pleasure and entertainment? Where do we go too far?
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Hope amid growing spiritual darkness
Especially after the results of the recent presidential election here in the U.S., people are scrambling to stay positive. We already know that the president is a strong supporter of abortion, the gay lifestyle, and liberal spending policies. The projections of financial planners and spiritual leaders points to the ruin of the freedoms we enjoy.
But I am not interested in re-hashing all of that. I was reminded the other day, while listening to the Christian radio station, that American Christians have lost sight of what really matters. We hear all around us the doom and despair, but where are the cheery countenances of thankful people pleased to live in the midst of darkness in order that their spiritual lights may brightly shine?
As Christians, we have a responsibility (no, a privilege) to look beyond the temporal world. We have hope, and a Hope empowering. As the world around us sinks into greater darkness, then and only then can the blinders of godlessness be removed from their eyes.
I feel that this country is like an old sailing ship. For over two hundred years we have dropped anchor in the port of Christ and let Him clean the barnacles off of our hull. Gradually we have made our stops more infrequent, until now our ungodly leaders think we are ready to do without a cleaning. And so the ship sets sail into the waters of the godless, little realizing how many holes the barnacles are opening. Will the ship sink entirely? It remains to be seen, but praise God we cannot sink with it. We have hope and assurance of rescue by the Lord himself who will take us out of this world.
If I could paint, I would paint a picture of our ship out in an ocean of deep blue. But surrounding the ship would be a pool of blood; the blood of the deceived souls who died there and the blood of the innocent babies murdered there.
Hope shines. This is our opportunity to show how great the Light is within each of us. This life is not about us... It is about those deceived souls who despise every fiber of what we stand for.
But I am not interested in re-hashing all of that. I was reminded the other day, while listening to the Christian radio station, that American Christians have lost sight of what really matters. We hear all around us the doom and despair, but where are the cheery countenances of thankful people pleased to live in the midst of darkness in order that their spiritual lights may brightly shine?
As Christians, we have a responsibility (no, a privilege) to look beyond the temporal world. We have hope, and a Hope empowering. As the world around us sinks into greater darkness, then and only then can the blinders of godlessness be removed from their eyes.
I feel that this country is like an old sailing ship. For over two hundred years we have dropped anchor in the port of Christ and let Him clean the barnacles off of our hull. Gradually we have made our stops more infrequent, until now our ungodly leaders think we are ready to do without a cleaning. And so the ship sets sail into the waters of the godless, little realizing how many holes the barnacles are opening. Will the ship sink entirely? It remains to be seen, but praise God we cannot sink with it. We have hope and assurance of rescue by the Lord himself who will take us out of this world.
If I could paint, I would paint a picture of our ship out in an ocean of deep blue. But surrounding the ship would be a pool of blood; the blood of the deceived souls who died there and the blood of the innocent babies murdered there.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Star Wars VII; what's in store?
Have you heard the news? Disney bought out LucasFilm and in 2015 they are going to continue the Star Wars saga with a new film that will pick up where the original movies ended.
Some fans are worried that Disney will mess this up, but considering that Steven Spielburg's right-hand lady is at the helm... I think this is going to be fantastic. Disney proved with At World's End, and with the Voyage Of The Dawn Treader that they can do classic, darker films that do not just appeal to kids.
So what is in store in Star Wars VII? I am going to put my vote out there that Disney produce the Thrawn trilogy, based around Timothy Zahn's original novels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)